Palatal Tissue Enlargement After Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft Harvest Associated With Anabolic Steroid Abuse.

INTRODUCTION

Healing complications associated with androgenic anabolic steroid (AAS) abuse have received minimal attention in the periodontal literature. This case report describes an adverse healing event after palatal subepithelial connective tissue graft (SECTG) harvest associated with AAS abuse.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old white male was treated with an SECTG procedure to address gingival recession on the facial aspect of teeth #24 and #25. Donor tissue was harvested from the left hard palate via a single incision technique. The procedure was completed without complication. One week postoperatively, the patient presented with a large asymptomatic overgrowth of tissue from the palatal harvest site. Over the following 5 weeks of continued observation, the lesion demonstrated progressive, spontaneous resolution. Investigation of possible etiology revealed the subject was a recreational bodybuilder with admitted AAS abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-surgical healing can be influenced by AAS abuse. Alterations in connective tissue metabolism and fibroblast activity are known sequelae of AAS abuse; however, patients may be reluctant to admit to steroid abuse during the presurgical interview. Surgeons should suspect the possibility of AAS abuse when postoperative complications present in a patient of muscular body type.